Rhone Ma at 25: Advancing in animal health solutions

Founded in 2000, Rhone Ma was established to address critical gaps in Malaysia’s animal health market. Over 25 years, it has built a reputation for reliability, technical expertise, and leadership in veterinary care.

According to Dr Lim, the anniversary goes beyond symbolism.

“It represents a legacy of credibility, resilience, and readiness for the future. Our partnerships with farmers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders have stood the test of time. That trust, built over decades, is what sets Rhone Ma apart.”

From introducing its ‘Total Solution Provider’ concept in 2009 to investing in diagnostics and R&D, Rhone Ma has continually expanded to meet the evolving needs of the livestock sector.

(L-R) Dr Alifah binti Ismail (DVS), Dr Lim Ban Keong (second from the left) and Dr David Choe (center) with Prof Zunita Zakaria (fifth from the left) of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Institute of Bioscience, Prof Mohd Hair Bejo (fourth from the left), a distinguished veterinarian and researcher recognized for developing commercial vaccines such as MyVAC UPM93 for infectious bursal disease in poultry, and Dr Helen Mitin (Malaysia Veterinary Medical Assoc, President)

Driving poultry and swine health

Poultry and swine remain the company’s core business. Rhone Ma’s integrated solutions—vaccines, pharmaceuticals, nutritional products, and feed additives—target persistent challenges including Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, infectious bursal disease, PRRS, mycoplasma, and PDNS/PMWS.

“Reducing the impact of disease is central to improving both productivity and profitability for producers,” said Dr Choe. “Our solutions are designed to deliver consistent outcomes that enhance performance in flocks and herds.”

These science-backed products are supported by extensive technical services. Farm consultations, diagnostic testing, and field monitoring allow for early detection and preventive strategies, while regular seminars and workshops keep farmers and veterinarians updated on best practices.

Dr Choe added: “We are not just delivering products—we are delivering solutions. Our role is to align veterinary science with commercial outcomes that help our poultry and swine customers succeed.”

Innovation through research and collaboration

Continuous innovation underpins Rhone Ma’s long-term relevance. The company invests in R&D and works with universities and international partners to improve feed technologies, strengthen disease control, and pioneer sustainable solutions.

Dr Lim noted that this approach also addresses global concerns: “We see antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and sustainability as industry-defining issues. Our responsibility is to provide forward-looking solutions that not only support productivity but also safeguard future generations.”

Such collaborations ensure Rhone Ma can adapt its portfolio in line with changing market dynamics, regulatory environments, and customer needs.

Nurturing the next generation

Beyond business expansion, Rhone Ma has made talent development a central priority. Young veterinarians are recruited into both technical and commercial roles, provided with structured training, and supported through university partnerships, internships, and academic awards.

Dr Choe emphasized: “Investing in people has always been central to Rhone Ma’s philosophy. By equipping the next generation with technical expertise and soft skills, we ensure that the industry remains resilient and future-ready.”

Corporate social responsibility initiatives, including outreach programs and employee well-being efforts, further position Rhone Ma as a responsible employer and industry partner.

Diversification beyond livestock

While poultry and swine remain at the core of its business, Rhone Ma has also ventured into other livestock segments. One example is its involvement in the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) project in Johor, a collaboration with Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad. The initiative introduces A2 Friesien Jersey cattle and includes a USD 3.3 million investment in processing capacity.

Dr Lim explained that diversification reflects a broader strategic outlook: “Dairy is an additional growth area, but our integrated model ensures we remain anchored in poultry and swine while contributing to Malaysia’s wider food security agenda.”

Looking ahead

With 25 years of experience, Rhone Ma is preparing for the next phase of growth in a sector shaped by rising protein demand, digitalization, and sustainability imperatives.

Both Dr Lim and Dr Choe believe the company’s integrated solutions model—spanning veterinary science, diagnostics, R&D, manufacturing, and distribution—positions Rhone Ma to lead in the coming decades.

As Dr Lim concluded: “Our past has given us credibility, our present is about innovation, and our future is about shaping the livestock industry for the next generation.”